Environment Agency launches Oil Tank Awareness Campaign

5th October 2008

As the dark nights start to draw in and the temperature drops the
risk to oil tanks on commercial and domestic properties increases. In
response, the Environment Agency
has launched an oil storage campaign, to ensure the safety and security
of oil in tanks and to protect the environment by preventing pollution
incidents.

Last year the Agency was called to more than 140
incidents, most caused by poor maintenance or inadequate security of
both commercial and domestic oil storage containers.

Leaked oil
can end up in drains, many of which lead directly to rivers, streams
lakes and even garden ponds, having the same effect as pouring it
directly into the watercourse. Oil is poisonous to fish and other
wildlife and smothers plants - just two litres of oil could seriously
pollute the volume of fresh water needed to fill an Olympic-size
swimming pool.

Richard Bowen, Environment Manager, said, "Good
oil storage can save money, especially at a time of increased oil
prices. The loss of oil, whether through poor tank maintenance or lack
of security, will prove costly to the owner and the environment.

"Our
statistics show that we receive an increase in the number of calls at
this time of year reporting pollution incidents involving leaking or
damaged oil tanks and from insurance companies about oil thefts. We
hope that by reminding people about good oil storage and security,
before the clocks go back, that there will be a reduction in the number
of pollution incidents.

The campaign, set to run for six weeks,
will include advice and information on tank maintenance and security,
the pollution that can be caused and what punishment can be expected if
you cause pollution by not protecting your tank.

Richard added,
"The aim of the campaign is to protect the environment from any
preventable pollution and we hope that if people follow our advice and
information, the number of incidents will be reduced."